Club Red elevates experiences at BB&T; Center

Florida Panthers home games just got a lot better for Boca Raton resident Michael McCormick. As a Club Red member, he enjoys valet parking and a private entrance to the BB&T; Center, seating right behind the players' bench and unlimited food and drinks at the center's posh new lounge.

It's first-class, all the way.

"I'm a die-hard hockey fan, so getting closer to it is just a lot better," said McCormick, 35. "It brings you into the game more."

The 12,000-square-foot Club Red is a combination of the finest dining and hippest nightclubs in South Florida, said Michael Yormark, president of the Florida Panthers and the BB&T; Center.

"All the seats are at center ice, the premier location for hockey," Yormark said. "For football fans, it's at the 50-yard line."

Though the experience varies depending on the type of event at the arena — hockey game, concert or show — members usually have dinner upon arrival, mingle with other members and then take their reserved seats right before the event, he said. The club opened last October, but because of the NHL lockout, hockey fans have only had a few weeks to enjoy it so far.

"It's very social, it's like a club atmosphere," Yormark said.

The center's new upscale section can accommodate up to 500 people, with members paying either $9,500 if they chose a package of either hockey or concerts, or $16,500 if they have the all-inclusive hockey-and-concert membership package, Yormark said.

"It does cater to the upscale, white-collar premium clientele," Yormark said. "It's a cross-section between business leaders from the community and high-net-worth individuals seeking a premium experience when they come to watch a hockey game or show."

McCormick, senior vice president and chief operating officer for a medical staffing company in Coral Springs, said he goes to the hockey games with his wife, Lisa.

"It makes it like a night out," McCormick said. "We have an 8-year-old son and we don't get out of the house a whole lot, and when we do, it's nice to do something like this."

McCormick's first time at the exclusive lounge was Jan. 19 for the Panthers' opening night against the Carolina Hurricanes following the lockout.

"There was a lot of energy in the building. It was a sold-out crowd and the Club Red experience was more impressive than what I thought it would be," McCormick said.

McCormick bought the hockey-only membership because he didn't foresee going to all the concerts or shows in the all-inclusive package, he said.